“Not to mention the bruises and welts that would come from something like that,” Wade said.
“And I doubt Bruce is that ruthless,” Fox said. “They may want drama, but a bride with bruises isn’t a great image forWedding Games,no matter how they’d want to spin it.”
“Okay, so no paintball,” Eli said, looking down at the shirt today. “But it looks like it’s sponsored by that protein bar you’re always eating, Wade.”
Wade’s cheeks turned red. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy.”
“What’s their slogan again?” Eli snapped his fingers. “Power to be brave.”
“Every day,” Wade muttered.
“That’s right,” Fox said. “I hope we don’t have to do something brave but stupid today like jump off a mountain.”
“Think there’s any leftover bravery left in Wade from when he lived off these things?” Eli playfully elbowed Wade, who smacked his arm away.
“You guys are a riot.” Now it was Wade’s turn to slump in his seat, the curious eyes of the others in the dining hall glancing over at their table.
“That doesn't sound like a brave attitude to me,” Fox said, relishing the way they could slip back into this playful banter.
It was something he’d told himself he didn't miss when he was in Kitty Hawk, and it had been easy to keep telling himself the lie when his best friend was seven hours away. But now that he was back in Wellspring, sitting with Wade and Eli, he could see how flimsy the veil he’d pulled over his eyes really was.
“Well, regardless, if a protein bar sponsored the next event, then it’s safe to assume it’s something physical, right?” Fox asked.
Eli shrugged. “Probably.”
“And as much as you want to make fun of me for bulking up, these muscles are going to come in handy.” Wade flexed his biceps, causing the tattoos to dance.
It was a parlor trick that Wade had practiced time and time again, wanting to impress the ladies. Fox rolled his eyes just as Harry slid into the seat next to him.
According to the clock on the wall, it was 8:01 and Jason was just now getting his mic queued up. Apparently, Sienna wasn’t the only one who didn’t take this show seriously. Fox resisted the urge to chide Harry for his tardiness and looked over at the bridesmaids’ table only to notice that Sienna was still missing.
Did that girl care about anyone other than herself? Doubtful.
“Alright, alright,” Jason said, his voice booming through the room. “It’s time to introduce the second competition. Today contestants will be showing how brave they are by tackling theWedding Gamesobstacle course, sponsored in part by—”
The door leading into the meeting room squeaked, and in walked Sienna. Her eyes went wide, and she stopped dead in her tracks when she realized she had interrupted Jason. But her look of surprise was quickly replaced by a serene smile.
“Sorry, I’m late,” she said with a small wave, like the whole world revolved around her.
Fox couldn't hide his irritation as effortlessly as Sienna masked her initial shock, and his angry gaze followed her as she sat down beside her sisters. Audrey gave Sienna a disapproving frown, but neither Reagan nor Harper said, or did, anything.
Bruce walked over to where a confused Jason stood.
“Let’s start from the top,” Bruce said and waved his hand above his head.
Bruce sent a glare Sienna’s direction before he stepped out of the shot. Fox’s stomach twisted into knots. She’d destroy this whole show if she wasn’t careful.
And Fox was determined not to let that happen.
Eight
8 Days Until Dream Wedding
After walkinginto the meeting room late and listening to Jason Castle go over the rules for the next competition, Sienna trudged her way behind Harper to the giant field that was half a mile from the inn. Today’s winning team got to choose the music, and Fox would probably choose something depressing likeThe Funeral March.
Siennahadto win.
Reagan crossed her arms nervously when they saw what was waiting for them. “This looks like something straight out of basic training.”
